Joseph Carter Purcell

I will always remember Joe's generosity,
evident on many levels. Generosity to WHQR and the cause of music for piano through his many years of producing and hosting Keyboard Classics (not to mention a special devotion to the recorded art of Vladimir Horowitz, whose famous Bach transcription opened and closed every program). Generosity to his friends and the interest he took in what was going on in our lives. I am ever grateful for his interest in a chamber choir I conducted for many...

Joe was a friend whom I knew from WHQR Wilmington, where he produced an idionsyncratic and exceptionally interesting program about the piano, pianism, and music for the piano. We chatted endlessly about auto racing and music whenever he came to town to produce. In fact, it was impossible NOT to chat endlessly with Joe - he was a great raconteur as well as an immensely interesting guy. He will be sorely missed.

We were neighbors of Joe since 1962 when his Mother was alive. He was like a big brother and often offered help when my Father was sick. I loved hearing him play classics on the piano and he named his Chihuahua Chopin. We all missed him when he moved from the neighborhood a few years ago. May his Memory be Eternal.

I met Joe at WCPE radio back in 2008 when I first went on the air as a volunteer announcer on Saturday afternoons. Joe followed me for the next six years or so: when I signed off hosting "Weekend Classics" at 6:00 pm, he signed on as host of the very popular Saturday evening Request Program until midnight. We became very good friends and shared the most interesting stories! Joe always made me laugh. We often met for dinner and attended the North Carolina Symphony classical concerts...

Here at WHQR-FM in Wilmington, we aired Joe's Keyboard Classics program for many years. He would drive down from Raleigh and record several hour-long programs on a Saturday afternoon. Painstakingly, on a reel-to-reel tape machine. They were played back on-air over the same machine during his time slot. Since WHQR didn't reach as far as Raleigh and this was before internet streaming, Joe never got to hear his show being broadcast. He never complained about it. Rather, he would would entertain...

Mr Joe drove my kids faithfully to Green Year Round for years. I think he had an impact on most of the kids, far beyond any of the other drivers. It sounds like he led a very full life, indeed.

One of my fondest memories of Joe was when he would play "Happy Birthday" in the manner of many of the classic composers. He was a genius on the piano and made it fun for those listening. I worked with him for many years, lost touch for a long while, then started enjoying him again at a local restaurant we both frequented. I will miss him, he was indeed special.

I remember the time Joe came by the old Drewry Lane house in Raleigh after my grandmother (Eleanor McCann) had past away 1995. He sat and played a piece on her piano and reminisced about the times spent together. Can't thank him enough for that as it meant a lot to my granddad and all of us. Another special Joe moment from a very caring and really deep guy.

Joe was a clever and fascinating fellow. On several occasions I had the pleasure to just observe him in his "story-telling" mode. He loved an audience and he prompted one to think. His life was one of energy and depth. Hearing him play during Christmas will always be a very fond memory. Requiescat in pace, my friend.